Ocean Grove Pier. July 9, 2014. Paul Goldfinger photo ©
In May, 2014, the CMA was notified that FEMA would not reimburse for rebuilding the pier. The CMA placed the pier project at the bottom of their priority list. Still hanging out in the background was the offer from the Ocean Grove Fishing Club to finance the project in exchange for a long lease, but the CMA would not make a final decision.
Now the CMA has made its decision announced in an email from JP Gradone, COO, below:
In August 2014, the OG Fishing Club presented a proposal to the OGCMA regarding the OG Pier. The OG Fishing Club proposed to secure a loan with the support of the OGCMA to repair the Pier. The OG Fishing Club would be responsible for the repayment of the loan. The OG Fishing Club would also require a 30- year lease. Today, I met with Bob Treutt, the Fishing Club representative to respond to their proposal.
The OGCMA Executive Committee and Trustees reviewed and discussed this proposal. At their January Board Meeting, the Board voted to decline the offer proposed by the Fishing Club. This decision is not opposing the Fishing Club or against the future re-construction of the Pier. However, it is the desire of the OGCMA to maintain the responsibility of the Pier. The current construction priorities for the OGCMA are the completion of The Great Auditorium roof, the completion of the North End Boardwalk, and the renovation of Thornley Chapel.
Upon conclusion of these projects, the OGCMA will evaluate their financial resources and the functional scope of the Pier. We look forward to our continued relationship with the OG Fishing Club as we develop a plan for the Pier that accomplishes the mission of the OGCMA and is a benefit to the residents and guests of Ocean Grove.
I wanted to be sure that each of you received this information in a timely fashion so that there will be no misunderstanding or mis-information.
Thank you,
JP Gradone
Editor’s note: On May 23, 2014, Blogfinger posted our last article on this subject. Read that piece* to get the background behind today’s verdict. Then consider if the Camp Meeting offered a clear and decisive answer today.
I’m afraid they have once again put out an opaque cloud of salty mist regarding the future of the Fishing Club. Maybe they should have just cut the cord forever today, but that’s not in their DNA. So study Gradone’s announcement and comment here as to what you think is really going on.
Did they leave the door open, or didn’t they? Do the fishing club members sell their fishing gear at the 4th Annual Townwide Yard Sale this spring, or do they keep waiting, like Madame Butterfly, for their ship to come in?
Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
JESSICA MOLASKEY